OpenAI’s New Move in Schools: 'Study Together'
Over the last few weeks, OpenAI has been quietly testing a new “Study Together” feature in ChatGPT. Spotted by several ChatGPT users, Study Together is designed to help students not by offering answers but via metacognitive strategies, such as asking questions and encouraging step-by-step reasoning. In short, Study Together behaves more like a tutor than a search engine, guiding the user to a potential answer rather than simply producing it.
Well, now it’s official. Study Mode was made available to users on Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans as of July 29. It will become available to ChatGPT Edu users in a few weeks.
As anticipated, Study Mode guides students through a series of steps, prompting thought, not just producing answers. It assists users by offering clarifying hints or by rephrasing a question. Furthermore, Study Together provides responses in digestible bites, not just reams of information. In all, Study Mode offers structured guidance that lowers the barrier to productive cognitive engagement.
Tom’s Take: Study Together shows that OpenAI is attempting to build educationally appropriate tools. It signals a willingness to introduce developmentally aligned learning tools directly into ChatGPT’s ecosystem.
Keep in mind that OpenAI has a partnership with Common Sense Media, whose mission is to promote a “safe, healthy, and equitable digital world for kids and families.” On the surface, OpenAI is a strange bedfellow, since ChatGPT does little to protect students' privacy or keep kids safe. Yet, there are definitely ways to make at least some of ChatGPT’s tools safe for kids, such as “student-friendly” GPTs grounded in safety, fairness, and privacy.
While student safety is not a priority, Study Together can help address what many educators increasingly seek: AI tools that support student thinking, not undercut it. Study Together is a clear step in that direction. With structured, appropriate, and active-learning features, OpenAI could be making a pitch to educators and schools that students can turn to ChatGPT for real learning, not just homework shortcuts.
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